Convener of the Alternative Movement and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has lamented what he described as growing civic apathy among Nigerians, stating that citizens have reduced democratic participation to “skit making.”
Showunmi made the remarks on Friday while receiving members of the Action Alliance and the Labour Party at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He argued that democracy cannot function effectively without active citizen participation, warning that political disengagement enables manipulation of the electoral process. According to him, many Nigerians obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) primarily for identification purposes rather than for voting, leaving room for electoral malpractice.
“The first is that, what is the point of a democracy that you all are not participating in? Nigerians, you have reduced this democracy to skits,” he said. “Instead of joining political parties, you will not join. They will ask you to collect PVCs; yes, you may reluctantly collect them because you are using them as a means of identification.”
Showunmi noted that over 90 million PVCs have reportedly been issued nationwide but questioned whether records have been properly updated to reflect deceased and newly eligible voters. He maintained that Nigeria ranks among the most vocal countries in discussing governance issues, yet lags in meaningful political engagement.
He warned that apathy poses a serious democratic challenge, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. “It is the greatest level of irresponsibility for us as Nigerians to complain a lot and yet not come out or join parties,” he stated, stressing that democracy requires participation beyond social commentary.
The PDP chieftain also cautioned politicians, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against blaming the Electoral Act for electoral failures. According to him, the law was not designed to favor “serial contestants” but applies equally to all political actors.
He urged parties to focus on grassroots mobilization and institutional strengthening rather than criticizing the electoral framework.
Earlier, Action Alliance State Chairman, Prof. Tunde Adebola, expressed readiness to collaborate with Showunmi toward his governorship ambition in the forthcoming election.
